How to Restore an Image Backup in Windows 7

Another new feature in Windows 7 is the image backup, which is essentially a snapshot of all the settings and files on your hard drive. You can restore the image backup in Windows 7 to bring everything back to the way it was in the event of a calamitous crash. This means that you won’t have to reinstall everything, you won’t have to customize your settings, nothing. Just run the Image Restore program and you’re good to go.

Unlike the other backup methods, restoring a system image backup obliterates everything on your hard drive, replacing the whole works with the saved copy. Windows 7 users should employ this tool only in dire circumstances, such as when malware has completely taken over your system.

To restore a full-disk ghost backup, you must have either of the following two items: an original Windows 7 installation DVD or a system repair disc. You must have created a full backup at some point, and your computer has to be able to boot from the DVD or CD.

Do one of the following, depending on whether you have a system repair disc:

If you have a system repair disc, reboot with the System Repair Disc in place.

If you don’t have a system repair disc but you have a Windows 7 Installation disc, boot from that disc, select your language preference, and then click Repair Your Computer. In the next dialog box, select Microsoft Windows 7 and then click Next.

In either case, you see the System Recovery Options dialog box.

If you bought Windows 7 preinstalled on a PC, the System Recovery Options may have been changed by the manufacturer. If you don’t have a system repair disc or a genuine Windows 7 Installation disc, you’ll have to follow the manufacturer’s directions.